RealGM

http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080220/SPORTS/802200332/1002/SPORTS

Seattle power forwards Kurt Thomas and Chris Wilcox are available, but at what cost? Sacramento's Ron Artest could give the Magic the toughness they lack, but how would he affect the locker room dynamics? And the free-falling Miami Heat are willing to move Udonis Haslem (a Van Gundy favorite), but they are certainly in no hurry to assist the Magic after their summer spat over Van Gundy.

So, Otis, what's it going to be: Deal or no deal?

"I don't know that I have to necessarily add another piece, but if there's something that's there that makes good basketball sense for us we'll do it," Smith said. "Do we need another piece to get to the championship? You could make that argument. But as I've said before, 'Did anybody have Cleveland in the Finals last year?' Probably not. You just have to play your best basketball at the end of the season, and we're very capable of doing that."

Just to clarify...

But while Smith vows he isn't interested in a "quick fix," he said he's willing to do whatever it takes to help the Magic become more championship ready. He stressed there's been no warning from management finances would hinder a potential deal.

So at this stage quite possibly anything or absolutely nothing could happen by Thursday's deadline.

"I've never gotten a 'You can't do this because of money,' statement from our owners. I'll put our ownership's willingness to spend up against anybody," Smith said. "You consider what we did this past summer (signing Lewis to a $118 million deal), and you know that's not true.

The Magic could make that Sac deal. Re-affirmation that Otis and company will spend if the opportunity is to present itself with a trade or free agent signee.

I don't like how Otis has been repeatedly bringing up last year's Cavs team lately.

We're not stupid man. The Cavs made it to the Finals in a weak conference, and then got spanked just as bad as we did against the Pistons last postseason. Making the Finals is a great accomplishment, but we're still a few pieces (and don't forget playoff experience) away from legitimately contending for a title.

That doesn't mean we couldn't compete this season. Just that our chances are much lower in comparison to teams like the Pistons, Celtics, and of course, a bunch of west teams. However, the fact that we're doing so well this season has been an accomplishment in itself so far.

As for trades, I'd like to see one happen, but he's right in saying that one doesn't necessarily have to go down RIGHT NOW. Personally, I'd rather a good trade/move in the offseason, than a quick fix so to speak right now if it comes down to it.

MagicMadness wrote:Making the Finals is a great accomplishment, but we're still a few pieces (and don't forget playoff experience) away from legitimately contending for a title.

I agree, great post (and great sig btw)

Plus making the finals and getting swept again would instantly kill 80% of the fanbase who still remembers the tragedy of '95. It's better to get there slowly, with a real chance to bring the trophy home.

Based on contracts, one would think that Wilcox is more tradeable than Thomas. Arroyo and Garrity works for Wilcox.

Seattle gets two expiring deals and gets "rid of" a non-expiring guy. Thomas is expiring as well, and those putative contracts equal some 50 million in almost max-money in cleared space.

Wow @ Otis...

Gene Hackman said it best

"You're either incredibly smart...or incredibly stupid"

In regards to his Cavs comment..

Lebron stated that his team didn't beat the pistons...the pistons beat themselves. Even he knows they didn't deserve to be there...
If Otis doesn't do anything by 3:00pm tomorrow....He needs to be let go.

drsd, who did that dunk in your avatar?

That was sick.

Edit: And thanks aleZ.